What makes us Canadian? A study of values, beliefs, priorities and identity

Monday, October 3, 2016

Canadians are less inclined to encourage minorities to retain their culture, customs and language, and more inclined to choose economic growth over protecting the environment than they were a generation ago.

They are also clearly divided on issues of respect, fairness, national pride and hope for the future – although the Canadians feeling most aggrieved today aren’t necessarily the obvious choices they might have been in the past.

These are among the findings of a comprehensive new public opinion poll on the values, beliefs, priorities, and identity of Canadians – conducted by the Angus Reid Institute in partnership with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.

This study examines the shared ideas and beliefs that make Canada what it is today, as well as the divisions that push back against long-held concepts of what Canada is, or is supposed to be.

Key Findings:

Massive generational differences affect Canadians’ sense of pride and attachment to their country: nearly three-quarters (73%) of those 65 years or older profess a “deep attachment” to Canada, this shrinks to less than half (45%) among those aged 18-24

45 years after multiculturalism became government policy, most Canadians (68%) would prefer to see minorities doing more to “fit in” to mainstream society. That said, the same number say they’re satisfied with the way newcomers are integrating into their own communities

The majority of Quebecers say their province will ultimately stay in Canada, but other regional tensions remain – notably between Alberta and the rest of the country.